Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the main types responsible for increased morbidity and mortality of the male, and the second cause of cancer death. Research indicates that prevention can change this reality. The objective of the study is to describe the effect of the antioxidant lycopene as a preventative to prostate cancer, using a systematic review from PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO. We used the descriptors: Prostate cancer Lycopersicon esculentum, lycopene, prevention. Selecting the results of experimental researches, it was found that lycopene has antioxidant and chemical protective function of the organism, as an adjunct to minimize the formation of free radicals in them intercaptá of cellular metabolism and by exogenous sources, avoiding the formation of lesions or loss of cellular integrity. Observational studies show that the risk of some cancers is lower in the presence of higher levels of lycopene in the blood, suggest that diets rich in tomatoes with adequate dose and combination, are responsible for this reduction in risk. The confrontation research center that synthesize functional foods , in effect, chemopreventive as lycopene may be effective when taken in recommended amounts and types of food. A metanalysis by pointing Sporn31 the antioxidant properties of lycopene, however corroborates that more clinical research trial should be performed to elucidate the preventive ratio of lycopene in prostate cancer and reduction in morbidity and mortality due. Prevention is configured as essential to nutrition and proper supplementation of lycopene strategy to generate desirable benefits, however, the search for better evidence is needed.
